Church & Ministries

12 Smart Things Churches Should Do

Church is not a building or an institution. Church is people. Because church is people, we have the choice to either do smart things or dumb things. If we do smart things, more people can be led to Christ. Leading people to Christ is a simple way of describing why the church exists.

Here are 12 smart things that churches can do that will lead more people to Christ:

Be intentionally multi-generational

Youth are not the church of tomorrow; they are part of the church today. We must provide the resources necessary to reach them now. Quality leaders, authentic compassion, and giving them a voice in the ministry process will result in young people who connect with the church. Smart churches know this. They don’t just talk about it; they do it. They invest in young people.

But they also respect older people. Those who have paid the price to help get us where we are now need to know that they are treasured. Smart churches value people even if they appear to no longer be on the cutting edge. Smart churches value all generations.

Stay out of ruts

Doing something simply because that’s the ways it’s always been done is the fast track to extinction. Hold to traditions and creeds, but do so with purpose. Smart churches change in the right way at the right time for the right reasons.

Stay off of bandwagons

We always have something to learn from others who are succeeding, but trendiness and fads can spoil ministry. It appears that God blesses different methods at different times, but He doesn’t run out of ideas. Imagination and creativity are spiritual gifts. Smart churches don’t spend a lot of time and energy trying to be another church. Be original, innovative, fresh.

Be real

Speak the language of the people. Do everything with authenticity. Operate with impeccable integrity. Own up to mistakes. Repent often. Be transparent. Smart churches are not manipulative or condescending or disrespectful of people.

Perfect grace

Make room at the table for sinners. Don’t demand perfection. Practice forgiveness and model second chances. Smart churches know that the ground at the foot of the cross is level.

Reach as many people as possible

It’s okay to have a “target market” based on demographics. But smart churches don’t eliminate people because they don’t fit the niche. Jesus doesn’t eliminate these people—neither should we.

Act outside of the local church

Embrace other ministries. Do life in the neighborhood. Minister with a global mindset. Be sure to connect with people outside of your immediate circle. It’s a big world and God is doing amazing things. Smart churches don’t want to miss that!

Promote justice

Don’t tolerate the mistreatment of the innocent. Stand up for victims. Speak out on behalf of the marginalized. Smart churches act as part of the solution to society’s ills.

Release people into ministry

We should encourage people to practice their spiritual gifts. Empower people. Entrust people with responsibility. Smart churches understand that every person and gift is necessary for a fully functioning church.

Be comfortable with not pleasing everyone

Smart churches know that they are not for everyone. Let people disagree and let some leave if necessary. Pursue those God has called you to reach.

Insist that people dream

Life beats the hope out of people. Smart churches spend a lot of energy building up people. Encourage them to dream again, to chase the vision that God put in them. “Remember who you wanted to be.”

Know what we’re supposed to do and do it well

What is the end goal of church? Jesus summarized our job description in Matthew 28 by telling us to make disciples. We help people by showing them how to be authentic followers of Jesus. That’s it. If we’re smart, we’ll focus all of our attention on that task.

Smart churches do smart things, and lots of people come to Christ. You and I are the church. Let’s do smart things.

About The Author

Rick Whitter is the State Administrative Bishop for the Church of God in Minnesota. He also serves as Director of International Orphan Support (iorphan.cc).

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